BACKGROUND: Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is associated with patient mortality. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic profiles of the glomerulus in the NZB/W F1 hybrid mouse model of mild and severe lupus nephritis using two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Female NZB/WF1 mice (n=60) at 28 weeks of age were divided into the mild proteinuria group (+1), the moderate proteinuria group (+2), and the severe proteinuria group (+3) using paper strip urine testing, and then later divided into a mild (≤1+) and severe (≥3+) proteinuria group to allow comparison of upregulation and down-regulation of proteins between the two groups. Renal glomeruli were isolated following renal perfusion with magnetic beads. Protein expression was determined by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, 2D-DIGE, and MALDI-TOF-MS.

RESULTS: A total of 56 differentially expressed proteins were identified from 133 protein spots, of which 18 were upregulated and 23 were down-regulated between groups 1 and 2. Expression of the proteins Ras-related GTP-binding protein B (RRAGB), serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (SMG1), angiopoietin 2 (ANGP2), methylmalonate semialdehyde (MMSA), and ATP beta chain (ATPB) were identified by Western blot and SMG1, ANGP2, and MMSA were identified by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS: In a mouse model of lupus nephritis, expression of SMG1, MMSA, and ATPB were down-regulated, and RRAGB and ANGP2 were upregulated.

Keywords: lupus nephritis, Proteomics, Two-Dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis, Angiopoietin-2, Blotting, Western, Immunohistochemistry, Kidney, Kidney Diseases, Kidney Glomerulus, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic, Methylmalonate-Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase (Acylating), Mice, Inbred NZB, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases, Proteins, Proteinuria